Biogas, Rural Communities, and Climate
What are manure digesters?
Anaerobic manure digesters are a rapidly expanding technology that captures methane, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), from industrial livestock operations and converts it to a biogas that can be burned for energy.
Our scientific review
We assessed the scientific evidence surrounding claims put forth by proponents and opponents of manure digesters, specifically regarding their impact on rural communities and climate change. The result of this assessment is Deconstructing the Livestock Manure Digester & Biogas Controversy, available in Volume 12 of Current Environmental Health Reports, published on November 8, 2025.
Learn more
- Researchers Weigh Evidence for Manure Digester Impacts on Rural Communities and Climate: CLF research highlight
- The manure digester and biogas controversy: Science brief
- The manure digester and biogas controversy: Video Q&A with Brent Kim and Keeve Nachman
- Read the research in Current Environmental Health Reports, November, 2025
- Manure Digesters on Farms Carry Limited Benefits and Potential Harms: Bloomberg School news release